USC looks beatable, but not to Stanford

Published 4:00 am, Friday, November 3, 1995

STANFORD - Two weeks ago, USC looked unbeatable. The fifth-ranked Trojans traveled to Notre Dame with a 6-0 record and visions of a ninth national championship.

No opponent had scored more than 16 points against them, and the smallest margin of victory was 10. But something went wrong in South Bend, Ind. The Fighting Irish romped, 38-10, and USC suddenly seemed vulnerable.

That became more apparent last Saturday in Seattle when Washington jumped to a 21-0 lead after three quarters, only to be tied by the Trojans with 33 seconds remaining on a 2-yard touchdown pass from Brad Otton to tight end Johnny McWilliams. The 21-21 tie gave USC (6-1-1) the inside track to the Rose Bowl, but left head coach John Robinson slightly bewildered.

"We've gone through an amazing two weeks," Robinson said. "We put together six just awful quarters. I don't know what it was."

The Trojans should be bolstered for Saturday's home game against Stanford by the return of two senior defensive standouts, linebacker Errick Herrin and end Israel Ifeanyi. Herrin has missed five games because of dealings with an agent, while Ifeanyi sat out four - two because of the same agent and two for accepting money from Nigerian tribesmen.

"I think we'll be getting stronger," said Robinson. "

That's hardly a news flash to the Cardinal players. Despite the mini-slump, most consider USC one of the most talented teams in the nation and see no slippage.

"We'd like to think that," said offensive tackle Nathan Parks. "They've got 14 or 15 players the pro scouts are looking at. We have to give them all the respect they're due."

Especially with wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, a Heisman Trophy candidate, on their side.

"Two weeks ago, they looked really, really good," said free safety Josh Madsen. "They're beatable, but it will take a complete team effort from our part."

Parks wasn't thrilled to hear Ifeanyi has returned.

"The Nigerian Nightmare," he said. "He's definitely a force."

Stanford has only two wins in Los Angeles since 1975. The most recent came in 1991, and these circumstances are similar. If the 14th-ranked Trojans win their remaining three games, they go to the Rose Bowl. The Cards need three victories to guarantee a bowl bid - and believe it or not, they still have a mathematical chance of reaching Pasadena . . . as participants.

Robinson thinks it's an even game but the oddsmakers disagree. They've made USC 14-point favorites.

"Is it that bad?" Madsen said. "I think our main focus right now is a 12-game season. That's been the focus since day one."

Stanford players actually love the atmosphere at the L.A. Coliseum.

"USC's one of the great places to play," said inside linebacker Mike Hall. "There's just so much tradition. They have incredible fans. I would compare it to playing at Notre Dame."

The Trojans have been known to intimidate opponents, but the Cards are 4-0 away from home this season. They trailed in every game.

"When we're on the road, it's almost a motivation," Mitchell said. "We have confidence in the team."

As much as they love the Coliseum, Stanford players hate the USC Band - in particular, the song "Tribute to Troy."

"It gets very annoying," said Hebert. "They play about 2 feet away from you during warmups and it really gets you crazy. I was ready to bite someone's head off."

Said Hall, "I don't know how anybody could be in that band for more than a year without psychological damage." &lt;